A South Korean official says North Korea test-fired a pair of short-range missiles into its eastern waters this week, in a likely response to the routine ongoing US-South Korean military drills.

A military official in Seoul said today that the North launched what appeared to be KN-02 missiles during its own drills. However he did not specify the day nor did he reveal his name, citing intelligence rules.

North Korea routinely launches short-range missiles in an effort to improve its arsenal. The latest test comes at a time of rising tension.

Pyongyang has threatened nuclear strikes on Seoul and Washington because of the drills and recent UN sanctions over its third nuclear test.

Analysts say Pyongyang's threats are partly an attempt to push Washington to agree to disarmament-for-aid talks.

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